INEC Releases Access Codes for 2027 Portal Launch

By Babatunji Wusu| The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced it will issue official INEC access codes to political parties on Friday, June 26, for use on the INEC Candidate Nomination Portal ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, made this known on Tuesday during a quarterly meeting with leaders of registered political parties in Abuja. He explained that party primaries ended on May 30, but concerns have grown over delays in issuing certificates of return to successful candidates.

The INEC access codes will allow designated national party officials to upload nominees’ names, personal details, and other required information into the digital system. This supports the smooth running of the INEC Candidate Nomination Portal and improves the wider electronic nomination process. The INEC access codes rollout is expected to strengthen transparency and efficiency in candidate submissions.

Political parties were urged to prepare their ICT teams and ensure strict compliance with all deadlines. The Chairman warned that late submissions will not be accepted as the system closes automatically. “The portal is fully automated and will close automatically at the expiration of the prescribed period,” he said.

Prof. Amupitan also raised concerns over ongoing court cases linked to party leadership, describing them as “an unnecessary distraction.” He encouraged swift resolution of such matters while reaffirming the Commission’s independence. He also urged parties to step up voter education under the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise so citizens can obtain Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ahead of the polls, even as the INEC access codes process moves forward.

He stressed that electoral credibility depends on the rule of law and democratic responsibility. “The success of the 2027 general election will depend not only on the preparedness of the Commission but also on the commitment of political parties to uphold democratic principles, respect the rule of law, conduct transparent primaries, discourage violence, hate speech, vote buying, and promote issue-based campaigns,” he said.